Why would you want to live in a Yokohama guesthouse rather than one in Tokyo? First of all, if you are living in a Yokohama guesthouse then its fairly safe to say that you are living in Yokohama, which is really rather a lovely thing. Yokohama is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever come across in Japan. Yokohama bay in particular is stunning regardless of the time of year. I have spent many happy hours simply wandering around the area. Yokohama is Japan’s second most populated city after Tokyo, though unlike the megacity to the north, Yokohama feels spacious and the sea air is incredibly refreshing. Living in Yokohama means that you can easily access Tokyo whenever you want but you are also a stones throw away from Kamakura and Enoshima which are full of stunning temples, shrines and beaches.
Advantages to living in a Guesthouse
Generally speaking guesthouses are much easier to move into than an apartment. Especially, if you are only going to stay for a few months, on a tourist visa/working holiday visa. Costs are also usually lower, as moving into an apartment can be very costly in Japan – often several months’ worth of rent needs to be paid upfront, much to the dismay of most foreign residents. But the greatest thing of all about living in a guesthouse is that you will meet new people when you arrive. Some who may have lived in Japan a very long time and can show you around a bit. Some of the best friends I have ever made were from living in a guesthouse, and if you have the right frame of mind it can be a wonderful experience.
Local attractions in Yokohama
Chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest in Japan. There are an overwhelming number of places to eat that all look delicious. Even if you don’t feel hungry, you can simply wander around and take in the sights and sounds. Kantei-byo temple, constructed in 1873, and Daska, a theme park that invokes the feeling of Shanghai in the 1920s.
Waterfront District
The Yokohama Waterfront District is home to several attractions in close proximity to each other. Go to Yokohama Stadium and catch the Bay Stars, of the Nippon Professional Baseball League, in action. Check out the Yokohama Archives of History to learn how Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to the western world. Discover the technology behind silk production and view exotic costumes at the Silk Museum. Or take a leisurely stroll through Yamashita Park, a 22-acre expanse of lush greenery, towards Yokohama Marine Tower, a commemorative inland lighthouse.
